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Saturday November 30, 2013 5:26 AM

DAYTON — A new veterans court in one of southwestern Ohio’s largest counties is trying to help
and support criminal offenders who have served in the military.

The new Montgomery County court is one of about a dozen specialty courts or dockets in Ohio set
up for veterans, including one in Franklin County. Nine more courts throughout the state are
awaiting certification for such efforts.

The court kicked off this month with eight defendants appearing before Montgomery County Common
Pleas Judge Dennis Adkins, who thanked each of them for their military service before addressing
their charges or probation possibilities.

“I figure if anyone needs a second chance or help, it’s those that have served our country,”
Adkins said.

Veterans courts are designed to help former members of the military work on the issues that may
have led to their crimes, such as substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder or mental health
issues. Court officials also can link participants to job training, benefits and housing
services.